The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment. Are you passionate about contributing to a more sustainable environment? This is your chance to make a meaningful impact. We’re seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Environment Agency’s North East Area Sustainable Places Team. In this key role, you’ll guide how growth and regeneration happen - ensuring developments safeguard communities, promote biodiversity, and protect our environment. You’ll manage planning consultations with Local Authorities and developers, working closely with colleagues in flood risk, water quality, contaminated land, biodiversity, and environmental management to deliver expert advice. You’ll advocate for climate resilience and influence policies and proposals - shaping decisions that impact the future of our towns and cities. This is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of planning systems while developing valuable skills in project management, financial oversight, leadership, and innovation. We embrace diversity, inclusivity, and belonging. The Environment Agency reflects the communities it serves. We don’t just talk about inclusion - we live it. Every new team member is welcomed and given full support, induction, and the equipment they need to thrive. Incident response is central to our mission. Everyone who joins us undertakes training and may support incident response, which could attract additional payments. Full training and flexible working arrangements are provided. Our North East Area hub area is one of the most environmentally dynamic and diverse regions in the UK—with main rivers, large coastlines, and complex urban growth. The work you do here will directly impact people, places, and the planet. The team You’ll join our North East Area Sustainable PlacesTeam. We lead on shaping local plan strategies and planning applications. The Sustainable Places team is a friendly, collaborative group working across departments. We partner internally and externally - with councils, developers, water companies, and Defra - to provide expert environmental advice. By evaluating data and assessments, we influence planning outcomes and internal strategies. This multi-functional role offers a dynamic career path within the Environment Agency. Experience/skills required We provide expert statutory and discretionary advice to planners, developers, and communities; evidence on the capacity and value of the environment to aid decision-making. To succeed in this role, you'll demonstrate the following skills and qualities: • Passion for People & the Environment – A genuine interest in making a positive impact on communities and the environment. • Interest in Planning Systems – Knowledge about planning, economics, and development. • Teamwork & Collaboration • Influencing & Negotiation – Confidence in influencing and negotiating with various stakeholders. • Engagement & Communication – Ability to effectively engage and communicate with diverse audiences. • Problem-Solving & Results-Oriented – Proactive in addressing challenges and achieving results. • People & Project Management – Strong skills in managing people and projects to meet deadlines. • Adaptability & Prioritisation – Ability to adapt and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.